Richard Osman Admits He’s No Detective Despite Success in Crime Writing

Richard Osman, known for his bestselling crime novels, reveals he’s “terrible” at solving mysteries himself. The TV presenter-turned-author, whose Thursday Murder Club series has captivated readers, admits to the BBC that he often fails to predict the outcomes of crime dramas.

Osman, who comes from a family with a keen interest in crime solving, jokes that he and his wife always get it wrong despite their best guesses. His popular Thursday Murder Club novels feature elderly amateur detectives, and the first book is being adapted into a Netflix film by Steven Spielberg.

Now, Osman is launching a new crime series, We Solve Murders, following the adventures of retired cop Steve and his dynamic bodyguard daughter-in-law Amy. The series explores the unlikely partnership between the two characters, who travel the world solving crimes.

In his latest book, Osman humorously incorporates AI, with a murderer using ChatGPT to craft emails in the style of a charming English gentleman. Osman acknowledges AI’s potential but remains skeptical about its creative capabilities, believing that true cultural impact comes from human creativity rather than technology.

Osman also delves into the world of social media influencers in his new novel, highlighting the contrast between their glamorous public image and the hidden vulnerabilities that can make them targets for crime. He sees social media as both a challenge and an opportunity for working-class talent in the media industry.

As he continues to work on the fifth installment of The Thursday Murder Club series, Osman is excited about the upcoming film adaptation and learning to trust others with the process. Despite his success, he remains focused on his writing and looks forward to balancing his projects in the years ahead.